Technology Is Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse? ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.


Stimulants

Stimulants are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. They can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.

Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.

It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.

In these instances it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.

Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medications

While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. medication for adults with add gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.

It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.

Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.